Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: A scoping review of participants’ and facilitators’ experiences in qualitative studies
Nicole Schuitmaker
Research, Society and Development September 24, 2023 DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v12i9.43308 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Scoping review Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Individuals who participated in PAT and individuals who facilitated PAT |
| Intervention | Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Cinahl Psycinfo Qualitative research Facilitator Inclusion mineral Emotive Psychotherapist Medline |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Six themes were identified across 13 qualitative studies: the influence of set and setting; PAT was personalized and meaningful; PAT can be highly emotive; transcendental experiences; reduction of symptoms and long-lasting changes; and boundaries and responsibility. |
Abstract
There has been a surge in research on Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy (PAT) over the past three decades. PAT has yielded positive results across clinical trials and demonstrated efficacy in treating various mental disorders. However, limited qualitative research exists that explores peoples’ experiences of PAT. This study aims to review the current literature on the experiences of individuals that have participated in PAT, as well as individuals that have facilitated PAT. This study aims to increase our understanding of PAT to guide and improve therapeutic effectiveness. A scoping review was conducted from English language studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Searches were conducted from PsycInfo, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Inclusion criteria were qualitative studies involving PAT that were conducted between January 1990 and December 2022; articles published in peer-reviewed journals; and psychedelic practitioners’ experiences of facilitating PAT. In total, 13 articles were extracted to be included in the review. Articles were published between 2017 and 2021, and were divided into (1) Participant Studies (10) and (2) Facilitator Studies (3). Six themes were identified: the influence of set and setting; PAT was personalised and meaningful; PAT can be highly emotive; transcendental experiences; reduction of symptoms and long-lasting changes; and boundaries and responsibility. The literature revealed numerous interrelated therapeutic elements that may have contributed to a meaningful experience during PAT. This may play a role in attaining long-lasting positive therapeutic outcomes. The studies were varied and highlighted the usefulness of further exploring PAT.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Set and setting in psilocybin-assisted therapy: A qualitative study of patients with cancer and depression. General Hospital Psychiatry 2025
- Psychedelic Use and Intimacy: A Systematic Review of Experimental and Naturalistic Research. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 21, 2025
- PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF PTSD WITH PSYCHEDELICS: A FUTURE OUTLOOK International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science December 24, 2025
- Therapists’ Perspectives on the Psychotherapeutic Support in Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder: Insights from a Randomized Controlled Trial Research Square October 5, 2026
Cites 43
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
and 38 more in the library